upgrade shocks for an a body

was wondering what you suggest as a upgrade for shocks on a 1971 duster.
currently using a stock replacement Monroe shock on a 95% completely stock car. reason for the question is, I upgraded to a 5spd trans and now at interstate speeds I find the car is a little loose. front end is all new as are the tires, replaced bushings etc. its just now that I can easily maintain 75/85mph the car wants to wander a little. this only occurs if I hit railway tracks or uneven pavement such as construction. just looking for some suggestions to stiffen up the suspension. probably just need to slow down but I really enjoy passing everyone in my old Mopar

thanks in advance for any suggestions
bennoel

Bilstein RCD shocks should be right up your alley. You may want to spend some time in the Corners are best forum for more info. I'd talk to the guys @ [url=www.firmfeel.com]firm feel[/url] for personalized help- they are Mopar guys and know what works. Hotchkis is a great source if you are interested in more of a serious handing machine.

How much do you want to spend?

not looking to spend a ton of $$$ just looking to have a little better feel. Don't need to go into turns hard just looking for stability on the road. might consider thicker torsion bars but trying to stay stock.

thanks again for all tips.

I like the Koni shocks, about $400 for 4, and they are adjustable. More than some, but half the cost of others.

Firm Feel has the Bilstein shocks. Summit has Koni shocks. The Koni shocks will fit okay up front but the rears will not bolt on. I had to make my own shock plates in order to mount the Koni shocks in the rear.

Start with the tires, but you also need a front sway bar and, at least, 340 torsion bars. If you want a more stable feel you need more than shocks.

It's a 340 car so it has a frt. sway bar and 340 t-bars. It's just now that I can maintain higher speeds it seems a little looser. It's nothing bad I guess it's just 50 year technology.

Don't think the shocks are your problem as of yet, when you speak of 'wander'. I think you simply need a better wheel alignment.

Good shocks will definitly improve the car, but if your alignment is also still 'stock' as the rest of the car, then that might be the problem.
Do you know how the car has been aligned?

Ah, the good old Moparts ignore the question answers.

Not looking to spend a ton of $$$ so right off suggest a $400 set of Konis. 4x the proce of a set of stock replacements or even KYB's

Says wants to stay stock, so let's suggest a bunch of suspension upgrades.

PAY ATTENTION

A BBM said, it's probably the alignment. I've had A bodies for years and the only time they ever felt wandery was with bias plies or a bad alignment, note he said the suspension is all new so no worn parts.

I start with a good set of KYBs. Good shocks for a street car and inexpensive. If my bushings are good as is the rest of the suspension I usually upgrade the sway bar bushings. Polygrahite is a good replacement for the rubber. Grease them up so they don't squeak. With those two mods you'll notice a differance in handling and ride.

From there, sky is the limit.

Say Andy, that's an interesting endlink setup for your sway bar.

"I upgraded to a 5spd trans and now at interstate speeds I find the car is a little loose. front end is all new as are the tires, replaced bushings etc. its just now that I can easily maintain 75/85mph the car wants to wander a little"

Sounds more like alignment then shocks to me.
New parts doesn't mean good alignment.

Agree with latest posts...sounds like you need more caster. But... you didn't say what size tire you have on the front. Wider tires do tend to tram more than skinnier tires. If you have a loosish steering box and stock alignment, wider tires will produce this feel. In any case, the additional caster produces several effects; it stabilizes the car at speed, it increases steering effort slightly to provide more feedback, it improves return to center characteristics.

In my experience, gas charged Monroe and Gabriels work fine with stock suspension rates and a an improvement over stock style oil shocks. Step up rates and you will need to step up shock control. Now, that isn't to say that Koni and Bilsteins won't improve the ride, they definetely will. Its akin to the difference of wearing Converse All Stars compared to a custom fitted $400 running shoe. But if you aren't ready to go there, try alignment changes first.

Back off a little, first words out of his mouth were shock up grade. He has box store shocks now, and wants something better. I take for granted the front end is good cause he didn't say anything about it. To me, when one shock cost $200, then I think a $95 Koni is a better deal, and a better shock than a sore shock.

New parts, doesn't mean the alignment is correct.
I never heard of shocks causing the front end to wander.

I guess wander might not be the right term. what is happening is if I am going say 80mph plus (which might be the problem) or so and I come up on uneven pavement say construction, railway tracks etc. the car seems bouncy and I get a sensation of side to side movement hence my use of the term "wander" And yes it is a stock alignment. front tire size is 225/70/14. Not wanting to spend big $$$$ may not be an option, but I would like to keep it at a modest amount. Would change T-bars to say a bb t-bar, new shocks and better frt end alignment.
I'm thinking that the suggestion of a better frt end alignment might be the biggest improvement.
Thanks again for all the help.

Car should remain stable.
Side to side is not a shock issue.
Shocks control up and down (bouncing) movement.
I still say it isn't your shocks.

One way to check would be to replace 'em I guess.

Road conditions and automotive knowledge has come a long way since your car was designed.

I would suggest you have a "GOOD" shop due a performance alignment designed for your intended use.

I agree with the OP that wheel alignment should be something to look at. Many A bodies just cannot get any caster to speak of, however using the Moog offset upper control arm bushings will help that. A set of tubular upper control arms will really help it but probably out of budget.

Another thing to look at is excessive bump steer. However you will need to find a shop that is very conversant in this sort of think. We are blessed here in Tulsa with a guy (Jim Sams) who is a Mopar guy and is an excellent front end guy with current equipment. Plus you won't find anyone more honest.

Maybe some of the Mopar folks in Ontario can make some recommendations.

Good luck,
Bill

Bennoel you might call em & see if they have a sheet on what they set it to.

I had the KYBs on my 74 Duster360, loved them. Also upgraded the tbars to 1.03" (??), and added 3/4" rear sway bar . . . loved how it handled !!! Course everything in front end was new and replaced. . . .